called to the report of the Committee of which he is chairman, covering fully this great subject.

PATRIOTIC TEACHING AND CIVICS.

The subject of patriotic teaching and civics has been a prominent issue in the past history of the Grand Army, and great good along all patriotic lines of education has been the result. The action taken in the Department of New York, as set forth in General Orders No. 6, issued August 9, 1897, may well be referred to as proof of what prudent and well directed effort can accomplish in this direction.

A committee of twelve prominent and specially equipped comrades was appointed to carry out the objects, as were set forth in the following extracts from the order in question :

"The great importance of the development of a uniform system of teaching Patriotism and Civics in our public schools, is now generally acknowledged by our best authorities. It is in line with the highest sentiment of Christian citizenship. The only safety for our union in the future lies in the wise and unselfish patriotism and virtue of our whole people. The steps of future generations will not stumble if their National pathway is paved with right principles and safe-guarded with noble inspirations of justice, law, liberty and religion. To the end that the question of how best to practically evolve and introduce these right and patriotic teachings in our schools, it has been deemed wise to place the consideration of the same in the hands of an able committee of leading comrades in this Department whose experience in public life, and in studying the objects aimed at in this line of action, eminently fit them for this delicate and commanding investigation and report.

"This action is based upon the view that comrades of distinction in civil life who did so much for their country, in their early manhood, are best fitted by experience to consider this whole subject. It is admitted that the quickened sentiment of patriotism and loyalty to the flag, born of the late war, has caused the Stars and Stripes to float over the school houses in many states. Surely no more sacred work can fall to comrades, in the evening of their days, than to empty the spirit of freedom

and lofty ideals of patriotism into the hearts of the children of generations to come. If this is wisely done in periods of peace it will foster freedom's grandest forces in uplifting our civilization to the highest plane of a free people's government."

"This committee had for its chairman Comrade Joseph A. Goulden, of New York, who has been appointed every year since, and the work he has accomplished is a lasting record of his great ability and downright earnestness in this great field of patriotic education."

The report of the committee was so able and valuable that the honorable Charles R. Skinner, (who was made an honorary member) Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of New York, caused 40,000 copies to be printed, sending one to each of the 30,000 teachers of the state, and presenting the balance of the issue to the Grand Army.

The interest thus created has been on the increase, and this committee has been continued. Two subsequent annual reports have been made, and these have won their way in the admiration and confidence of the people, and their publication by Superintendent Skinner has followed each year. The immediate fruits of this excellent work have been: (1) in the hoisting of the American flag over every school house in the state during school hours; (2) introducing civics and pratriotism as one of the branches to be taught; (3) looking to securing uniform patriotic exercises for each day's opening and for all legal holidays; (4) in securing a grant of $15,000 from the Legislature for the publication of a manual of patriotic exercises for free distribution among the schools of the state; and (5) making it a penal offense to attach an advertisement or device of any kind to the American flag in the State of New York.

This remarkable record is the outcome of the work done in one Department within the narrow circle of three years, and it is submitted that a united effort in each of the forty-five departments of the Union on similar lines would result in a glorious upbuilding of the safe principles of loyalty and patriotism.

MILITARY INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

The committee of which Comrade Allan C. Bakewell is chairman, having the subject of Military Instruction in Schools.

able report.

in charge has been specially active and efficient during the past year, and careful attention is called to its very able and valuA Bill was introduced into Congress providing for the detail of retired and non-commissioned officers of the regular army to teach military drill in schools, at the request of local boards, and this was not reached before the adjournment. It is believed that it will become a law at the next session, and it will become a most useful and valuable measure. The importance of proper military drill in schools is now generally acknowledged by our prominent educators. It develops both mind and body in a desirable way, and it adds greatly to the physical culture of our youth. Besides in a country where the Nation depends upon volunteers for its soldiers in time of war, the wise and prudent knowledge of military requirements are elements of national strength of the most desirable sort in times of peace. In this connection, it is a pleasure to announce that Lafayette Post, No. 140, of New York, under Comrade Bakewell's able direction, has made a present of 1,460 bunting flags, 4x6 feet, to Porto Rico, Hawaiian Island and Philippine Islands, besides numerous smaller flags for inside saluting purposes. It also presented several larger Stars and Stripes to schools in different parts of the Union. Mention is made of the splendid work this most efficient Post is doing, in order that other Posts, having the opportunity may see how great a field is open before them for sending our beautiful flag far and near as the emblem of the Nation's pride and glory.

MEMORIAL DAY.

Profoundly impressed with the weakening way Memorial Day is being observed in the element of games and diversions of one sort or another which are more and more coming into view, your Commander-in-Chief strongly recommends that it fall on the last Sunday in May. If this change is made it is believed from wide consultations and interchange of views that, that the holy Sabbath day will preserve it from the desecrations which now largely pervert the tender associations of this unique Memory Day from its original signification. This subject was presented

to the 32d Annual Encampment at Cincinnati, in 1898, and failed to receive the full support of comrades at that timeowing, it is believed, to the lack of careful consideration. The main objections made against the proposal were, (1) that the legal holiday now fixed for May 30th would have to be changed causing much trouble. (2) That it would not be wise to change the date as originally designated, and (3) that the clergy would not approve the selection of Sunday. These objections appear almost trifling in view of the fact that the growing tendency of making an ordinary holiday of Memorial Day, more conspicuous for games and sports than as a memory day for the dear dead, is now the rule. As it does not need a seer nor prophet to foretell that in a few years after we are all gone, the sacredness of this one day of Patriotic Memories will be a dead and gone memorial unless its original purpose is wisely safeguarded. The new custom of scattering flowers on the waters in memory of those who died on the sea in battleships or otherwise, is a touching memorial worthy of the widest extension and observance. The object in thus urging the designation of the last Sunday in May for a National Memorial Day is in order that the sacredness of the Sabbath may preserve it in the hearts of future generations—for on this day the graves of soldiers and sailors and all our dear ones could be decorated, each order and friend doing this in their own way and all to teach that life and death are the common lot of man, and that the culture of the living is measured by the tender memories of their dead. The legislation necessary for this change would be so easily and readily provided as to render objections on this score without force. Viewed from a National standpoint the recommendation thus submitted has many arguments in its favor. As to season, the last Sunday in May would be generally acceptable, for the flowers bloom everywhere in our Union then, and the lessons nature so wonderfully teaches through plant and bud and flowers are almost universal. And as we now front facein one line of christian American citizenship, one in love of the Stars and Stripes, and one in loyalty to the Union, we can well unite on one Memorial Day for our. dead, when the mournful and yet sweet memories of our departed dear ones may be fit

tingly and lovingly remembered as our heart and tastes point out the way.

THE WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS.

This noble organization has been a tower of strength during the past year, and stands for the largest influence as an auxiliary of our Order. The devoted loyalty of its members to all the inspirations of patriotism and good citizenship are too well known and appreciated to call for extended reference at this time. Wherever there is a Woman's Relief Corps a good Grand Army Post will always be found. Their work is one noble in its aims, rich in sympathy, and unceasing along all fraternal lines. The generations to come, in our great country, cannot fail to rise higher and higher in love of the Union and loyalty to our American civilization with such a womanhood as is now found in the ranks of our worthy Woman's Relief Corps and similar organizations. In their financial aid, also, we are greatly their debtor, and in behalf of the Grand Army our best thanks are tendered them.

THE LADIES OF THE GRAND ARMY.

What is true of the Woman's Relief Corps applies largely to the Ladies of the Grand Army. Their object is mainly the same, and in all that strengthens loyalty and patriotism they are on an equality. These and other loyal women's organizations working for the culture of righteousness and valor among all the people deserve the fullest confidence and merit the unstinted praise of lovers of true liberty. May God bless these useful and worthy organizations having the best interests of comrades and the youth of the Nation so warmly at heart!

THE SONS OF VETERANS.

The nearest approach to privileged sons of our soil is found" in the Sons of Veterans. To be the worthy son of a worthy veteran of the Union Army or Navy is indeed a proud distinction. And the deep and abiding interest which stirs the heart of every veteran in behalf of the Sons of Veterans is evidence of regard and affection of a commanding character. As to how the Grand Army can best aid in the development and strength of

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